A painful, agonizing toothache that strikes suddenly can have you in a panic, particularly when it happens outside normal dental hours. In such situations, many of us ask: Can I attend A&E for a tooth extraction? Although it might sound like the most reasonable thing to do, the response isn’t a simple one. Let’s find out when you can go to A&E for dental problems, what else is available, and how to approach a dental emergency successfully.
Can You Have a Tooth Extraction at A&E?
In general, A&E (Accident & Emergency) departments do not carry out tooth extractions. A&E provides services for threatening medical illnesses/conditions such as severe trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, or an infection that has spread beyond the oral cavity.
There are certain specific situations in which patients will attend A&E for a dental issue:
Severe Swelling – Sometimes an infection can trigger facial or neck swelling. If it stops someone from breathing or eating, this could be lethal.
Uncontrollable Bleeding: This occurs when there is blood loss as a result of surgery or dental trauma.
Injuries to the Jaw or Face: When an accident causes severe facial injuries or a cracked jaw.
High Fever and Signs of Sepsis – When a dental infection spreads, it can cause other symptoms like fever, chills, confusion, and difficulty breathing. In all other situations, A&E will probably send you to a dentist for treatment.
What Should You Do Instead of Attending A&E?
If your condition is not life-threatening but still hurts, these are your best bets:
1. Call an Emergency Dentist
Most dental clinics have Emergency Dentist Modesto appointments for immediate cases such as severe pain, abscesses, or cracked teeth. These professionals can decide whether an extraction is required and provide same-day treatment.
2. Make Use of Local Dental Helplines
A local dental helpline or NHS 111 (for UK citizens) can direct you to an emergency dentist if you’re unsure where to go. They can examine your symptoms and help you decide on the best course of action.
3. Visit an Urgent Care Center (For Minor Issues)
In certain regions, urgent care centers provide short-term relief from pain for dental problems, although they do not perform extractions. They may prescribe antibiotics or painkillers until you see a dentist.
4. Home Remedies for Temporary Relief
For short-term pain treatment, consider the following if you can’t make it to the dentist in time:
Pain relievers: Use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water reduces irritation and kills microorganisms.
Cold Compress – Use an ice pack on the affected area to ease swelling and deaden pain.
Clove Oil – A homeopathic remedy placed for its numbing effect when applied to the tooth.
What Happens if You Don’t Fix a Problematic Tooth?
Putting off a dental appointment or stalling the procedure to fix a severely damaged or infected tooth can lead to the following:
Severe Infection – It may initiate abscess formation, which can lead to potentially life-threatening sepsis.
Increase in Pain – The pain will still worsen over time. It can even reach a point where simple activities like eating and sleeping feel troublesome to you.
Tooth Loss & Bone Damage – A deep infection will impact surrounding teeth and jawbone structure.
Delaying a tooth extraction can convert a minor dental problem into a full-blown medical condition, necessitating hospital treatment.
How Much Does an Emergency Tooth Extraction Cost?
Prices vary by location, severity, and practitioner:
NHS Emergency Dental Treatment (UK) – Fixed price of approximately £25-£70, depending on complexity.
Private Dental Clinics (UK/US) – $100-$500 per tooth for simple extractions, while surgical ones are greater than $600-$1000.
Dental Insurance Coverage – Most policies cover a percentage of the expenses, with the out-of-pocket cost being minimal.
If money is an issue, consider dental payment plans, community health clinics, or university dental schools that charge discounted fees or reduced rates
Conclusion
Under exceptional circumstances, such as life-threatening infection, uncontrollable hemorrhage, or jaw fractures, attending A&E is unavoidable. Otherwise, for most dental issues, A&E won’t pull your tooth and will refer you to a dentist.
Your best option is to schedule an emergency dental visit immediately. In the meantime, alleviate pain using over-the-counter products and see a professional before problems develop.
In case of doubt, phone a Paragon Dental emergency hot line for advice!
